Page 14 of Arrivals & Assets

“It’s that bad?”

He nodded. “We tend to be more generous with time or income caps on businesses keeping their offices here because the market is brutal. We do tier up their rent to market rate as businesses approach the move-out cutoffs; that way, they don’t get sticker shock. But even finding a spot is difficult.”

“Apparently our broker has several options ready to walk through.”

“Sounds like you got lucky.”

“Hmm? How so?”

He laughed. “The real estate market here isn’t just tight. Even describing it as brutal is honestly an understatement. The woman who showed you up? I know for a fact she and her co-owner already have feelers out for a space, even though they would probably be ok to stay under the terms here for almostanother year. But it’s necessary. Even looking now, they could end up staying here several months over what the incubator allows because they haven’t found a spot that fits their needs. Small retail and office spaces rarely make it to market. Don’t get me wrong, businesses open and close like in any other city, but there are a lot of deals made behind the scenes. Word gets around the business community that somebody is struggling and about to close, or maybe an owner is ready to retire, and those with any sort of connection flock like vultures in an attempt to snatch a prime location before it gets listed.”

“Damn.”

He nodded. “You’re looking for a bigger space?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s probably why you have any options at all. But if you see something good, don’t wait. Even bigger spaces don’t last long unless they require a substantial amount of work.”

“Good to know.”

He stood. “Come on. I think the best way for you to prepare your new branch is for you to see what we do and how things work here.”

I stood and followed him out of his office, listening intently as he described the collaborative nature of the incubator.

My mind raced as we listened in at some of the discussion tables and mentor groups. It reminded me of the research floor at headquarters, where people discussed the pros and cons of various software and hardware options.

But businesses that had nothing to do with each other were brainstorming valid ideas.

Maybe a similar structure would help the interns. Dedicated time a couple times per week when they discussed problems among themselves, even if their specialities and projects were wildly different.

If working with startups was going to be chaos, then we needed to embrace it.

Chapter 4 - Flynn

The click of Ellie’s heels echoed across the floor long before she got close to my desk.

I stood and decided to meet her halfway.

She leaned against one of the heavy, long coworking tables, surrounded by a sea of empty, high-end office chairs.

“I take it the IT guys are done?” I asked.

She nodded. “Almost. They’re in the vault packing the last of it now. They took my laptop a few minutes ago.”

“Are you transferring?”

She shook her head. “Nobody needed a new receptionist. So I’m going to ditch the hour commute and see what I can find closer to home. The pay made it worth it, but I think I’m sick of Harris Cove for a while.”

“I get that.” I paused. “Wanna get drinks after work? The most pitiful goodbye party ever?”

She let out a single sad chuckle and shook her head. “Thanks, but I think I’m going to let last week’s party with Jeremy and Marcia be the end. You’re cool… but you’re right that it would be the most pitiful party.”

“Honestly? Probably a good call. And you can beat the traffic home.”

She stepped closer and hugged me. “Take care of yourself.”

“You too.”